09/22/2026
✨ A CATEGORY UPDATE FROM THE WISCONSIN DRAG AWARDS! ✨
When we announced this year’s award categories, we introduced "Creative Visionary" as a way to recognize the many talented creatives who help shape the artists and entertainers we see on stage.
We also heard your feedback. And we can admit when we are wrong sometimes.
We agree that a costume designer, photographer, wig artist, jewelry designer, graphic designer, and other creatives bring very different talents to the table and those disciplines shouldn’t all be lumped into one category.
So, we’re making a slight change!
🏆 BEST DESIGNER
This category will recognize creatives whose work directly helps build the visual presentation of a drag artist, including costume designers, wig designers, jewelry designers, prop designers, and other physical/design-based artists.
💻 BEST DIGITAL DESIGNER
This category will recognize creatives who use digital and visual media to help shape an entertainer’s brand and presentation, including photographers, graphic designers, videographers, digital artists, editors, social media/content creatives, and other digital-based artists.
Our goal has always been to recognize the incredible people behind Wisconsin’s drag community including the creatives who help make the magic happen both on and off the stage. While Wisconsin may not have enough artists in every individual discipline to sustain a separate award for each specialty, we want to make sure these awards are still meaningful, intentional, and representative of the work being done.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and helped us make these categories stronger. 🖤
✨ NOMINATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 28! ✨
Who are the creatives who have helped YOU become the entertainer you are? Start thinking about your nominations now!